Photo of the Week: "You Can Help Build a Future That Your Young People Will Believe In"

Today's photo of the week comes to us from the U.S. Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen, and captures a meeting between Ambassador Feierstein and some of the young people who represent Yemen's future. Ambassador Feierstein visited Amran City this past fall to reiterate U.S. support for the Yemeni government and people's efforts to improve the quality of education and health services and to address security issues in Yemen.

Secretary Clinton visited Yemen this week as part of her travel through the region. At a press briefing upon her arrival, the Secretary said, "There's a real opportunity for Yemen, and the challenge will be trying to help Yemen realize its own hopes for the kind of future that the people of Yemen deserve."

Later, in Doha, Qatar, at a panel discussion at the seventh Forum for the Future, Secretary Clinton expanded on her comments about the region's future, saying, "...So to my friends, the leaders of these countries, I would say: You can help build a future that your young people will believe in, stay for, and defend. Some of you are already demonstrating that. But for others it will take new visions, new strategies and new commitments. It is time to see civil society not as a threat, but as a partner. And it is time for the elites in every society to invest in the futures of their own countries.

"Those who cling to the status quo may be able to hold back the full impact of their countries' problems for a little while, but not forever. If leaders don't offer a positive vision and give young people meaningful ways to contribute, others will fill the vacuum. Extremist elements, terrorist groups, and others who would prey on desperation and poverty are already out there, appealing for allegiance and competing for influence. So this is a critical moment, and this is a test of leadership for all of us.

"...The Middle East is brimming with talent. It is blessed with resources, enriched by strong traditions of faith and family. This rising generation of young people has the potential to achieve so much, and we need to give them the chance to do so."